It is a shame that anyone was killed as part of the recovery of communist journalist Giuliana Sgrena. But we must always recognize that those who are anti-American -- as Sgrena is -- will always attempt to portray Americans, especially in the military, as in the wrong. As this Washington Times article makes clear, there are plenty of Italians who are prepared to try to make hay of the tragic circumstances.

Just from a realistic point of view, Sgrena's story is ridiculous. She needs to get over herself -- why in the world would Americans waste time targeting her? She argues that Americans are opposed to paying off terrorists . . . which is true. But if anyone can point to any instance where that policy opposition culminated in a deliberate murder of a hostage released by those means, I'd be interested to see it.

Italy has been a good ally, and is likely to remain one. That displeases some, like Sgrena -- who have been on the wrong side of history all along.